This is a blog that Andy has written to describe his battle with cystic fibrosis. Andy is 40 years old and is married to his beautiful bride Andrea and has two miracle children, Avery and Ethan. Andy appreciates each day and hopes to show the doubters that in his world CF stands for Can Fight!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

It's been a quarter of a century

25 years ago today, I had my Bar Mitzvah. Why is that significant? Back then I was thirteen years old and little did I know then that I'd reached a milestone that day and not the milestone many might think. Yes, in the Jewish religion, I'd officially become a man. But in reality, I'd exceeded the life expectancy many doctors had given me. I had no idea at the time how lucky I was to be alive.

Today I am 38 years old and once again I exceeded expectations this year by beating the median life expectancy that CF patients now have. It's strange how much not only I have changed in those twenty-five years but also how much expectations for patients like me have changed.

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About Me

I have cystic fibrosis. I have a beautiful wife and 2 great kids that my wife and I had through IVF since CF caused me to be infertile. I just finished my new book which will be in bookstores next year. I'm also a motivational speaker and fundraiser. I have spoken all over the U.S. and recently spoke in Wexford, Ireland. My event, A Wish for Wendy, has raised over $1.25 million in 12 years. I ran with the Olympic Torch in 2001. I speak to several groups about cystic fibrosis as well as my bouts with depression. I became the first board member of the Georgia CF Foundation to have cystic fibrosis. My dad and I started the Wish for Wendy Foundation in memory of my sister Wendy who passed away from CF. While CF has brought a lot of pain to my life, I feel very fortunate for the people I have in my life. I have written 3 books already. The Drive at 35 is my third book and hopefully the best. This memoir talks about my issues with CF, depression and many other items. The book has forewords from Garth Brooks and Celibe Dion. If anyone is interested in my book, please e-mail me at andy@andylipman.com.